Southern Rail Commission, LA
Recent Southern Rail Commission public meeting topics include planning & zoning, contracts & procurement, roads & infrastructure, budget & taxes, development projects, resolutions & ordinances.
Topics found in recent meetings
- Planning & zoning
- Contracts & procurement
- Roads & infrastructure
- Budget & taxes
- Development projects
- Resolutions & ordinances
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Recent meetings
Fri Sep 5, 2025
Southern Rail Commission
✓ Decided: Southern Rail Commission approves June minutes and reports on new rail service
The Commission approved the minutes from its June 6, 2025, meeting. Members reviewed ridership data for the new Amtrak Mardi Gras Service and discussed progress on the I-20 and BR-NO corridors.
- Approved June 6, 2025 meeting minutes
- Approved financial and administrative report
📄 From the minutes
Extracted text of the official minutes document (automated extraction — may contain OCR/formatting errors).
Meeting Minutes of the Southern Rail Commission
Friday, Sept. 5 at 9:00 a.m.
Virtual Meeting
COMMISSIONERS IN ATTENDANCE: Knox Ross, Toby Bennington, Steven Brom, Mayor Friday Ellis,
Brian Fulton, Kay Kell, Rep. Neil Riser, Dennis Stripling, Stephen Worley, David Clark, Frankie Castiglia
Jr., Roy Woodruff, Jerome Wall, Katie Hood, John Spain, Andrew Kilshaw
ATTENDEES:
Senator Sam Jenkins, Rep. Francis Thompson, Vicki Melius (Lt. Gov Nungesser’s office), John Robert
Smith, Arun Rao, Jay McArthur, Todd Stennis, Bob Johnston, Brian Putman, Bruce, Christina Anderson,
Colin Alexander, Connie Powell, Dean Goodell, Doug Rogers, Dov Block, Eric Wright, Erich Guenther,
Jennifer Ansardi, Karen Parsons, Kelly Giblin, Leo Kreisel, Joe McHugh, Michael Jerew, Nikki Moon,
Oretta Clemons, Peter LeCody, Ramona Martin, Rick Minor, Sharon Gilmore, Teronica McEachin,
Thomas Stennis, Tom Piper, Tomika Monterville, Vickii Melius, WLOX, Daniel Tessoff, Joan Garner,
Richard Hullender, Pattye Meagher, Rachel DiResto, Ryan Castellon
REGULAR BUSINESS:
I. Approval of the minutes from the meeting of June 6, 2025 – Knox Ross
a. Commissioner Bennington moved to approve the minutes, and Commissioner Spain
seconded the motion – motion passes.
II. Financial and administrative report – Knox Ross
a. Station grant funds were received from the FRA and advanced to Birmingham and Bay St.
Louis for improvements to their stations.
b. IRC grants are available to fund the operations of SRC, but f …
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Fri Jun 6, 2025
Southern Rail Commission
✓ Decided: Southern Rail Commission approves financial reports and reviews rail project progress
The Commission approved the March 7, 2024 meeting minutes and current financial reports. Members discussed the upcoming launch of the Amtrak Mardi Gras Service and the progress of the I-20 Corridor project. The FRA notified the Commission that it can no longer execute construction grant awards as previously authorized.
- Approved minutes from March 7, 2024 meeting
- Approved financial reports
- Appointed Commissioner Dennis Stripling to the Executive Committee for Alabama
📄 From the minutes
Extracted text of the official minutes document (automated extraction — may contain OCR/formatting errors).
Quarterly Meeting Minutes of Southern Rail Commission
Friday, June 6 at 9:00 a.m.
Virtual Meeting
COMMISSIONERS IN ATTENDANCE: Knox Ross, Steven Brom, Mayor Friday Ellis, Brian Fulton, Kay
Kell, Rep. Neil Riser, Dennis Stripling, Stephen Worley, Steven Brom, David Clark, Frankie Castiglia Jr.,
Roy Woodruff
ATTENDEES: John Robert Smith, Arun Rao, Francine Berk, Valeria Coustasse, Rachel DiResto, Ryan
Castellon, Ben Dodson, Dean Goodell, Phil Jones, Bruce Heniken, Kevin Lynch, Mehr Mukhtar, Tomika
Monterville, Maggie Woodruff, Todd Stennis, Jay McArthur, Scot Naparstek, Joe McHugh, Jay McArthur,
Marc Magliari, Jaibin Mathew, Rep. Francis Thompson, Stephen McNair, Doug Rogers, Rick Minor, Scott
McKinzie, Nicole Bucich, Leo Kreisel, Jason Lathbury, Jane Covington, Tyler Correa, Derrick Chisholm,
Kristin Harris, Brenden Kirby, Jennifer Ansardi, Christina Anderson, Bob Johnston, Elizabeth Lawlor,
Kevin Lynch, Ben Bratcher, Tom Piper, Rich Sampson, Garrick Rose, Alan Acumen
REGULAR BUSINESS:
I. Approval of the minutes from the meeting of March 7, 2024
a. Commissioner Rep. Riser moved to approve the minutes, and Commissioner Stripling
seconded the motion – motion passes.
II. Financial and administrative report
a. Additional funds may be available to the SRC soon through Cooperative Endeavor
Agreements in review by LA DOTD.
b. Also, SRC is actively underway with activities funded by the CIPD and IRC grants.
c. Commissioner Stripling moved to approve the financia …
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Fri Mar 7, 2025
Southern Rail Commission
✓ Decided: Southern Rail Commission approves Executive Committee to research membership expansion
The Commission approved the Executive Committee to research the potential addition of Florida, Georgia, and Texas as members. Amtrak reported that Gulf Coast service restoration remains on schedule for a summer 2025 start date. The Commission also approved the December 6, 2024, meeting minutes and current financial reports.
- Approved minutes from Dec. 6, 2024 meeting
- Approved financial and administrative reports
- Approved Executive Committee to act as research committee for potential membership expansion
📄 From the minutes
Extracted text of the official minutes document (automated extraction — may contain OCR/formatting errors).
Quarterly Meeting Minutes of Southern Rail Commission
Friday, March 7 at 9:00 a.m.
Via Zoom
COMMISSIONERS IN ATTENDANCE: Knox Ross, John Spain, Toby Bennington, Steven Brom, Mayor
Friday Ellis, Brian Fulton, Katie Hood, Kay Kell, Andrew Kilshaw, Adrian Perkins, Rep. Neil Riser, Dennis
Stripling, Jerome Wall, Stephen Worley
ATTENDEES: Walter Allen, Christina Anderson, Matt Anderson, Brenda Autry, Francine Berk, Gray
Brennan, Rep. Francis Thompson, Valeria Coustasse, Ann B. Daigle, Rachel DiResto, Mallory Donahue,
Ben Dodson, Lona Edwards Hankins, Win Ellington, Sharon Gilmore, Matt Gillen, Dean Goodell, Unique
Gloryfield, Bob Johnston, Ted Johnson, Phil Jones, Leo Kreisel, Bruce Heniken, Kevin Lynch, Jeffrey
Man, Marc Magliari, Lynn Maloney-Mujica, Jay McArthur, Sylvia Martinez, Stephen McNair, Mehr
Mukhtar, Tomika Monterville, Maggie Oliver, Alyssa Panepinto, Tom Piper, Ray Morrison, Arun Rao, Mike
Reso, Kent Rogers, John Sharp, John Robert Smith, David Smetko, AP Steadham, Robert Stapleton, Jim
Sylve, Todd Stennis, Elizabeth Stevens, Peter Waggoner, Maggie Woodruff, John Hollis Tackett, Dena
Temple
REGULAR BUSINESS:
I. Approval of the minutes from the meeting of Dec. 6, 2024 – Commissioner Ross
a. Commissioner Bennington moved to approve the minutes, and Commissioner Wall
seconded the motion – motion passes.
II. Financial and administrative report – Commissioner Ross
a. Commissioner Ross noted an increase in spending due to preparation for Gulf Coast
pas …
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Fri Dec 6, 2024
Southern Rail Commission
✓ Decided: Southern Rail Commission approves financial reports and contract extension
The Commission approved the financial reports and extended its contract with Transportation for America. Members received updates on the Mobile to New Orleans service, noting that platform construction in Mobile is the final infrastructure project required to begin service.
- Approved minutes from Sept. 20, 2024
- Approved financial reports
- Approved extension of contract with Transportation for America
📄 From the minutes
Extracted text of the official minutes document (automated extraction — may contain OCR/formatting errors).
Meeting of the Southern Rail Commission Friday, December 6 at 9:00 a.m. Via Zoom COMMISSIONERS IN ATTENDANCE: Knox Ross, John Spain, Toby Bennington, Steven Brom, Frankie Castiglia Jr., Chris Christianson, David Clark, Brian Fulton, Kay Kell, Andrew Kilshaw, Walt Leger, Adrian Perkins, Jerome Wall, Roy Woodruff ATTENDEES: Alyssa Panepinto, Rachel DiResto, John Robert Smith, Jay McArthur, Arun Rao, AJ Austin, Ben Dodson, Bob Johnston, Brendan Kirby, Bruce Heniken, David Smetko, Francine Berk, Mayor Friday Ellis, Rebekah Gongora, Jan Ham, Joshua Smith, Joshua Logelin, Joe McHugh, Karen Parsons, Kevin Lynch, Leo Kreisel, M. Echols, Nicole Bucich, Randy Noe, Rep. Francis Thompson, Maggie Woodruff, Rich Sampson, Judge Richard Anderson, Rick Minor, Sara Clark, Sylvia Martinez, Ted Johnson, Todd Stennis, Matt Gillen, Yvette Brandt, Zachary Holifield, Kelly Giblin, Valeria Coustasse, Craig Hitt, Elizabeth Lawlor, John Sharp, Marlo Lacen, Stepen McNair, Dean Goodell, Phil Jones, Wendy McDonald, Christine Anderson REGULAR BUSINESS: I. Approval of the minutes from the meeting of Sept. 20, 2024 – Commissioner Ross a. Commissioner Bennington moved to approve the minutes, and Commissioner Spain seconded the motion – motion passes. II. Financial and administrative report – Commissioner Ross a. The SRC continues to assess its financial state due to funding; Louisiana has paid their dues in advance for the upcoming fiscal year, Mississippi’s dues will be paid in January. b. Commissioner Benni …
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Fri Sep 20, 2024
Southern Rail Commission
✓ Decided: Southern Rail Commission pre-authorizes legal counsel for rail expansion
The Commission approved the appointment of two legal consultants to support legislative affairs and operations as funding becomes available. The board also approved previous meeting minutes and financial reports while receiving updates on Gulf Coast and New Orleans to Baton Rouge rail projects.
- Approved minutes from June 7, 2024 meeting
- Approved financial reports
- Approved contracting Joe McHugh as funding becomes available
- Approved contracting Scot Naparstek as funding becomes available
📄 From the minutes
Extracted text of the official minutes document (automated extraction — may contain OCR/formatting errors).
Meeting of the Southern Rail Commission
Friday, September 20 at 9:00 a.m.
Via Zoom
COMMISSIONERS IN ATTENDANCE: Knox Ross, John Spain, Toby Bennington, Steven Brom, Dennis
Stripling, Stephen Worley, Kay Kell, Katie Hood, Jerome Wall, Brian Fulton, Frankie Castiglia Jr., Roy
Woodruff, Chris Christianson, Andrew Kilshaw, Walt Leger
ATTENDEES: John Robert Smith, Alyssa Panepinto, Rachel DiResto, Amanda Nottingham, Ann Daigle,
Arun Rao, Ben Bratcher, Ben Dodson, Bob Johnston, Bruce Heniken, Chase Toft, CJ Sartor, Dean
Goodell, Derek Chisholm, Doug Rogers, Hayden Lasater, Lori Sokol, Mary Perez, Mehr Mukhtar, Melissa
Battles, Michael Jerew, Nicole Bucich, Rachel Haney, Rich Sampson, Rick Minor, Sara Clark, Scot
Naparstek, Sharon Gilmore, Stephen McNair, Ted Johnson, Tomika Monterville, Valeria Coustasse, Virgil
Payne, Joe McHugh, Maggie Woodruff, Brooks Davis, Erick Wright, Bob Johnston, Kevin Lynch, Patrick
Duffy, Garrick Rose, Peter Waggoner, Francine Berk, Rep. Francis Thompson
REGULAR BUSINESS:
I. Approval of the minutes from the meeting of June 7, 2024 – Commissioner Ross
a. Commissioner Bennington moved to approve the minutes, and Commissioner Woodruff
seconded the motion – motion passes.
II. Financial and administrative report – Commissioner Ross
a. The SRC is assessing state dues due to low funding; Louisiana has paid its dues in advance
and other funding sources are expected to be made available soon.
b. Commissioner Bennington moved to approve the f …
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Fri Jun 7, 2024
Southern Rail Commission
✓ Decided: Southern Rail Commission modifies FRA grant funds for Gulf Coast projects
The Commission approved requests to unaward, withdraw, and transfer several Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) grants to facilitate Gulf Coast rail projects. Members also approved the financial reports and the minutes from the February 23, 2024, meeting.
- Approved unawarding FY2006 Railroad Research and Development sub-award for Mobile, AL Station ($80,100)
- Approved voluntary withdrawal and transfer of FY2018 CRISI Restoring Intercity Passenger Rail service funds ($32,995,516)
- Approved transfer of FY2017 and FY2018-2020 Restoration & Enhancement funds to Amtrak ($9,810,000 total)
- Approved financial reports
- Approved minutes from Feb. 23, 2024 meeting
- Approved cost to update economic impact study on passenger rail expansion in Alabama
📄 From the minutes
Extracted text of the official minutes document (automated extraction — may contain OCR/formatting errors).
Meeting of the Southern Rail Commission
Friday, June 7 at 9:00 a.m.
Mobile, Alabama
COMMISSIONERS: John Spain, Kay Kell, David Clark, Dennis Stripling, Ellis Foster, Brian Fulton,
Frankie Castiglia Jr., Jerome Wall, Roy Woodruff, Stephen Worley
COMMISSIONERS VIA ZOOM: Toby Bennington, Katie Hood, Chris Christianson, Steven Brom, Walt
Leger, Adrian Perkins
ATTENDEES: Dean Goodell, Phil Jones, John Robert Smith, Beth Osborne, Jaibin Mathew, Rachel
DiResto, Alyssa Panepinto, Todd Stennis, Arun Rao, Patrick Duffy, Sara Clark, Wendy McDonald,
Tamika Monterville, Joe Donahue, Julia Fisher-Cormier, Lona Edwards Hawkins, Ben Dodson, Bill
Lavers, Maggie Woodruff, A.P. Steadham, Steven McNair, Mayor Ellis, Drew Maddox
ZOOM: Amit Bose, Rep. Francis Thompson, Senator Sam Jenkins, Brandi Montgomery, Eric Wright,
Doug Rogers, Shannon Coggin, Harrison Bond, Ray Morrison, Tera Johnson, Erin Nolan, Elizabeth
Lawlor, Bruce Heniken, Christina Anderson, Catherine Reaves, Jake Herman, Joshua Logelin, Leo K.,
Maggie Oliver, Kelly Giblin, Tara Lambeth, Dov Block Marc Magliari, Mary Perez, Jane Covington Eric
Wright Caroline Nettles, Sylvia Martinez, Doug Rogers, Sabrina McNeal, Brooks Davis, Jennifer Ansardi
REGULAR BUSINESS:
I. Approval of the minutes from the meeting of Feb. 23, 2024
a. Commissioner Castiglia moved to approve the minutes, and Commissioner Woodruff
seconded the motion – motion passes.
II. Financial and administrative report
a. Dues are current and the SRC …
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Fri Feb 23, 2024
Southern Rail Commission
✓ Decided: Southern Rail Commission approves financial reports and previous meeting minutes
The Commission approved the financial reports and the minutes from the December 1, 2023 meeting. Members discussed federal grant opportunities, rail corridor expansions, and a $15 million grant awarded to Baton Rouge for a downtown station.
- Approved minutes from Dec. 1, 2023 meeting
- Approved financial reports
📄 From the minutes
Extracted text of the official minutes document (automated extraction — may contain OCR/formatting errors).
MEETING MINUTES
Quarterly Meeting of the Southern Rail Commission
Friday, February 23, 2024 in Bay St. Louis, Mississippi
COMMISSIONERS: Knox Ross, Kay Kell, David Clark (via zoom), Dennis Stripling, Ellis Foster, Stephen
Worley, Brian Fulton, Frankie Castiglia Jr., John Spain, Adrian Perkins, Toby Bennington (via zoom), Katie
Hood (via zoom), Chris Christianson (via zoom)
ATTENDEES: Rachel DiResto, John Robert Smith, Alyssa Panepinto, Todd Stennis, Ray Lang, Marc Magliari,
Arun Rao, Wiley Blankenship, Patrick Duffy, Ben Goodner, Wendy McDonald, Tamika Monterville, Dean
Goodell, Phil Jones, March Torres, McKenzey Northington, Rachel Knight, Elizabeth Stevens, Nikki Moon,
Jimmy Smith (Mayor of Meridian), Craig Hitt
ZOOM: Melissa Battles, Erin Nolan, Bruce Heniken, Christina Anderson, AJ Austin, Bob Johnston, Catherine
Reaves, Jake Herman, Joshua Logelin, Leo K., Maggie Oliver, Kelly Giblin, Stephen McNair, Tara Lambeth,
Jason Lathbury, Colin Alexander, Dov Block
CALL TO ORDER: Chairman Knox Ross
ROLL CALL
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE AND PRAYER
RECOGNITION OF SPECIAL GUESTS
REGULAR BUSINESS:
I. Approval of the minutes from the meeting of Dec. 1, 2023
a. Commissioner Castiglia moved to approve the minutes, and Commissioner Fulton
seconded the motion – motion passes.
II. Financial and administrative report – Commissioner Ross
a. SRC received reimbursement from the Hystor team involved in the hydrogen project for
travel to DC.
b. Commissioner Fulto …
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Fri Dec 1, 2023
Southern Rail Commission
✓ Decided: Southern Rail Commission approves financial reports and insurance coverage
The Commission approved the September 2023 meeting minutes, current financial reports, and a $1,187 annual Directors and Officers insurance policy. Members received updates on several federal grants, including a $178.4 million award for the Gulf Coast Corridor Improvement Project.
- Approved September 8, 2023 meeting minutes
- Approved financial reports
- Approved $1,187 annual Directors and Officers insurance coverage for $1m limit
📄 From the minutes
Extracted text of the official minutes document (automated extraction — may contain OCR/formatting errors).
Meeting of the Southern Rail Commission
Friday, Dec. 1, 2023 – 9:00 -11:30 AM
The Hyatt Centric Hotel, New Orleans, LA
COMMISSIONERS: Knox Ross, Kay Kell, Steven Brom, David Clark (via zoom), Dennis Stripling, Ellis Foster,
Stephen Worley, Brian Fulton, Frankie Castiglia Jr., Roy Woodruff, Renee Lapeyrolerie, John Spain, Adrian
Perkins, Toby Bennington (via zoom). Walt Leger
ATTENDEES: Rachel DiResto, John Robert Smith, Alyssa Panepinto, London Weier, Maggie Woodruff, Todd
Stennis, Marc Magliari, Arun Rao, Gerald Long (Senator Cassidy), Ben Dodson, Laura Luce, Wiley
Blankenship, Rodney Alexander, Tom Hunter, Michael Jerew, Patrick Duffy, Todd Stennis, Arun Rao, Marc
Magliari, Collin Alexander, Ben, Whitney McDonald, Brett Rosen, Dan Jartres, Gerald Long, Mayor Tom
Arceneaux, Lona Hankins, Peter Waggoner, Rich Sampson, Annalisa Kelly, Jimmy Thomas, Meagan Nguyen,
Mayor Belinda Constant, Ben Goodner
ZOOM: Mayor Friday Ellis, Tamika Monterville, Bob Johnston, Stephen McNair, Dov Block, Melissa Battles,
Jake Herrman, Erin Nolan, Brad Gunther, Bob Johnston, Bruce Heniken, Candace Cooksey, Dr. Ray Morrison,
Francis Thompson, Jim Delapp, Janel Carothers, Trent Machner, Sierra Club Georgia Chapter, Matt
Anderson, Chris Chandler, Hillman Frazier, Jennifer Green, Amy Ainsworth, Phil Jones, Christina Anderson,
Jake Herman
CALL TO ORDER: Chairman Knox Ross
ROLL CALL
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE AND PRAYER
RECOGNITION OF SPECIAL GUESTS
REGULAR BUSINESS:
I. Ap …
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Fri Sep 8, 2023
Southern Rail Commission
✓ Decided: Southern Rail Commission approves financial reports and reviews corridor grants
The Commission approved the June 9, 2023 meeting minutes and the financial and administrative reports. Members reviewed several federal grant applications for rail corridors in Louisiana, Mississippi, and Alabama, including the New Orleans-Mobile service anticipated to begin in 2024.
- Approved June 9, 2023 meeting minutes
- Approved financial and administrative reports
📄 From the minutes
Extracted text of the official minutes document (automated extraction — may contain OCR/formatting errors).
Meeting of the Southern Rail Commission
Friday, September 8, 2023 – 9:00 -11:30 AM
The Grand Hotel, 1 Grand Blvd, Point Clear, AL 36564
COMMISSIONERS: Steven Brom, David Clark, Dennis Stripling, Ellis Foster, Stephen Worley, Knox Ross, Kay Kell, Brian Fulton, Frankie Castiglia Jr., Jerome Wall, Roy Woodruff, Renee Lapeyrolerie, John Spain, Adrian Perkins
ATTENDEES: John Robert Smith, Alyssa Panepinto, Makenzie Morgan, Maggie Woodruff, Todd Stennis, Marc Magliari, Nicole Bucich, Arun Rao, Gerald Long (Senator Cassidy), Casey Rogers (Governor Ivey), Eric Kalivoda, Ben Dodson, Jeff Mann, Mike Jerew, Andrew Hinkebein (Senator Tuberville), Friday Ellis, Laura Luce, Wiley Blankenship
ZOOM: Toby Bennington, Katie Hood, Walt Leger, Dana McCain (Senator Britt), Eric Wright, Tamika Monterville, Stephen Coleman Kenney, Bob Johnston, Phil Jones, Stephen McNair, Max Nassar, Corrigan Salerno, Mia Monet, Jason Lathbury, Jon McGraw, Doug Rogers, Melissa Foreman, Dean Goodell, Tom Piper, Kevin Lynch, Kate Holzhauser, Bruce Heniken, Larry Lloyd, Trent Machner, Brey Brennan, Joseph Littlejohn, Mike Reso, Jon McCraw, Jay Trapani, Jolene Applegate, Ryan White, Sarah Moss, Richard Rusnak, Michael Adcock, Betsy Adcock, Randall Woodfin, Bryant Whaley, Brad Gunther, Robert Smith, Tom Piper, Dov Block, Anne Daigle
CALL TO ORDER: Chairman Knox Ross
ROLL CALL
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE AND PRAYER
RECOGNITION OF SPECIAL GUESTS AND NEW COMMISSIONER
REGULAR BUSINESS:
Approval of the minutes from the me …
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Fri Jun 9, 2023
Southern Rail Commission
✓ Decided: SRC authorizes release of station development funding notice
The Commission approved the March 10 meeting minutes and current financial reports. It granted the Executive Committee authority to release a Notice of Funding Availability (NOFA) for station development and planning, providing up to $1 million with a 50/50 match. The board also received updates on several multi-million dollar federal grant applications for the Gulf Coast and I-20 corridors.
- Approved March 10, 2023 meeting minutes
- Approved financial and administrative reports
- Authorized Executive Committee to release NOFA for station development and planning (up to $1M, 50/50 match)
📄 From the minutes
Extracted text of the official minutes document (automated extraction — may contain OCR/formatting errors).
Meeting of the Southern Rail Commission
Friday, June 9, 2023 – 9:00 -11:30 AM
Hancock Chamber of Commerce, 300 S. 2nd Street, Bay St. Louis, MS 39520
Commissioners in Attendance: Toby Bennington, Knox Ross, Kay Kell, Katie Hood (by phone), Frankie
Castiglia Jr., Brian Fulton, Jerome Wall, Roy Woodruff, Renee Lapeyrolerie, Steven Brom (by phone),
Christopher Christianson (by phone), David Clark
Attendees: Arun Rao, Ben Johnson, Nicole Bucich, Rodney Alexander, Joe McHugh, Delta Colley, Lori
Hahn, Lara Bowman, Paul and Betsy Nelson, Beckie Feldman, Elliott Flaggs, Collin Arnold, Ben Goodner,
Patrick Duffy, John Robert Smith, Dean Goodell, Phil Jones, Francesca, Glen Ellington (Hyde-Smith’s
office), Maggie Woodruff, Arun, Jeff Christine, JT Blalock, Zach Hollifield, Nikki Moon, Roger, Craig Higgs
(Meridian), Janell Caruthers, Dell Luce, Ben Goodman, Brian Schneider, Jay Trepani, Mike Reese,
Councilman Doug Seal, Laura Bauman, Mayor Friday Ellis, Wendy McDonnell, Lori Hine, Jarey Austin,
Tish Williams, Tom Hunter, Max, Gerald Long (Cassidy’s office), Karen Parsons, Jennifer Ansarti, Mathew
Martinec, Franziska Lambrecht
Zoom: Colin Alexander, Amy Ainsworth, Bob Johnston, Dennis Stripling, Jim Delapp (city of Mobile),
lhussey, Lloyd, Maggie Olver, Meperez, Ray Morrison KTBS News, Rebekah Gongora, Sharon Gilmore
(Rep. Thompson), Stephen Worley, Urban Syustems, Adrian Perkins, Andrea Ramey, Elizabeth Lawlor,
Jason Lathbury, C. Deanville, Adrian Perkins
Call to Order …
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Fri Mar 10, 2023
Southern Rail Commission
✓ Decided: Southern Rail Commission approves 2022 financial audit and meeting minutes
The Commission approved the December 9, 2022 meeting minutes and the 2022 financial audit. Members received updates on rail expansion projects in Louisiana, Mississippi, and Alabama, including the New Orleans to Mobile service and the I-20 corridor.
- Approved minutes from December 9, 2022 meeting
- Approved 2022 financial audit
📄 From the minutes
Extracted text of the official minutes document (automated extraction — may contain OCR/formatting errors).
Meeting of the Southern Rail Commission
March 10, 2023
New Orleans and Company Office, New Orleans, LA
Call to Order: Chairman Knox Ross
Roll Call
Commissioners Attending: Wiley Blankenship, Knox Ross, Kay Kell, Brian Fulton. Frankie Castiglia, John Spain, Renee Lapeyrolerie, Roy Woodruff, Walt Leger
Commissioners Attending By Zoom: Toby Bennington, Chris Christianson, David Clark, Jerome Wall
Guests: Phil Jones; Dean Goodell; Marc Magliari, Todd Stennis; Maggie Woodruff; Aron Rau, Amtrak; Rob Eaton; Carly Berlin; WWNO; Kevin Keller, HDR; Colin Alexander, City of Birmingham; Rep. Francis Thompson; Stephen Kenny, Transportation for America; John Robert Smith, Transportation for America; Ruston Mayor Ronny Walker; Monroe Mayor Friday Ellis; A.P. Steadham, Syndicated Radio; Kim Priez, New Orleans and Co; Judy Young, Coastal MS Tourism; Mark Goodson, CSRS; Nikki Moon, Coastal MS Tourism; Dan Jartres, City of New Orleans; Darren Harris, Downtown Development District; Brian Greenrood, Jefferson Parish Council Chairman; Derek Chishom, AECOM; Win Ellington; Sen. Hyde Smith’s office; Gonzales, Mayor Barney Arceneaux; Jackie Bauman, City of Gonzales; Chris Chanderl, Amer Mellin, Jennifer Ansarti, Stephanie Riegle; Mathew Martinec, CSRS; Sen. Gerald Long, Cassidy’s office; Paula Long; Al Jacer; LA DOTD
Guests Attending By Zoom: Rep. Francis Thompson, Peter Wagner, Mayor Sandy Stimpson, Armendia Pierce, Bob Noonan with WPMI-TV, Jason Lathbury, Georgia Transportation Committee Cochair, …
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Fri Dec 9, 2022
Southern Rail Commission
✓ Decided: Southern Rail Commission submits CRISI grant for rail infrastructure improvements
The Commission approved the financial and administrative report and the minutes from September 9, 2022. Members discussed a new CRISI grant application featuring a 20% non-federal match and a settlement between Amtrak, CSX, and Norfolk Southern to restore passenger service from New Orleans to Mobile.
- Approved minutes from September 9, 2022
- Approved Financial and Administrative Report
📄 From the minutes
Extracted text of the official minutes document (automated extraction — may contain OCR/formatting errors).
Meeting of the Southern Rail Commission
December 9, 2022
Regions Banks, RSA 29th Floor, 11 North Water Street, Mobile, Alabama 36602
Call to Order: Chairman Knox Ross
Roll Call
Commissioners Attending: Toby Bennington, Wiley Blankenship, David Clark, Knox Ross, Kay Kell, Brian Fulton. Frankie Castiglia, John Spain, Shawn Wilson, Jerome Wall, Renee Lapeyrolerie, Roy Woodruff
Commissioners Attending By Zoom: Steven Brom, Chris Christianson
Guests: Dean Goodell, Marc Magliari, Todd Stennis, Algy Semien, Maggie Oliver with Port Authority, Elizabeth Stephens, Maggie Woodruff, Bryan Jones, Guy Busby, John Sharp. Andrew Hinkenbein
Guests Attending By Zoom: John Robert Smith, Stephen Coleman Kenny, Beckie Feldman, Bryan Fuenmayor, Darrel Saizan, Donald Lambert, Jr., Ed Lackugi, Phil Jones, John Murphy, Jonathan Byrd, Raymond Lang, Richard Anderson, Stephen McNair, Toby Ruth, Virgil Payne, Will Fuller, Shannon Flaherty, Brent Richard
Pledge of Allegiance and Prayer
Recognition of special guests
REGULAR BUSINESS:
Approval of the minutes from the meeting of September 9, 2022
Commissioner Spain moved to approve the minutes, and Commissioner Bennington seconded the motion – motion passes.
Financial and Administrative Report - Knox Ross
Over the last quarter, SRC has spent funds to support the CRISI grant submission and for the Monroe convening
SRC is currently issuing dues invoices to Alabama and Mississippi
IIJA provides match on dues collected, which has the potential of doubling …
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Fri Jun 4, 2021
Southern Rail Commission
✓ Decided: Southern Rail Commission approves financial reports and reviews rail funding
The Commission approved the March 5, 2021 meeting minutes and the current financial reports. Members discussed federal budget requests, the potential for new multistate rail commissions, and the restoration of Gulf Coast service.
- Approved minutes from March 5, 2021 meeting
- Approved financial and administrative reports
📄 From the minutes
Extracted text of the official minutes document (automated extraction — may contain OCR/formatting errors).
Meeting of the Southern Rail Commission
June 4, 2021 9:00am-12:00pm
Estuary at the Water Campus & Zoom
Call to Order: Chairman Wiley Blankenship
Roll Call
SRC Commissioner Attendees:
John Spain, Knox Ross, Renee Lapeyrolerie, Roy Woodruff, Toby Bennington, Stephen McNair, Steven Brom,
David Clark, Kay Kell, Walt Leger III, Wiley Blankenship, John Clyde Riggs,
In-Person Attendees:
Phil Jones (LA DOTD), Mayor Adrian Perkins (Shreveport Mayor), Dinero Washington (SporTran), Bryan Jones
(HNTB), Chris Hester (APSC), Todd Stennis (Amtrak), Maggie Woodruff (NO Regional Planning Commission),
Greg White, Sandra Riggs, Lauren Jumonville (BRAF), Sara Gardner (BRAF), Jared Falcon, (BRAF), Meagan
Collman (Emergent Method)
Zoom Attendees:
Shawn Wilson (LA DOTD), John Robert Smith (T4America), Dennis Barrett (T4America), Marc Magliari
(Amtrak), Amit Bose (Federal Railroad Administration), Shawn Wilson (DOTD), David Handera (Amtrak), Elaine
Clegg (City of Boise), William Cotter (Hancock County Port & Harbor Commission), Peter Schwartz (Federal
Railroad Administration), Emily Thogerson (Bottom Line), Jessie Fernandez-Gatti (FRA), Michael Lestingi (FRA),
Doree Magiera (HDR Engineering, Inc.), Mary Perez (Sun Herald – McClatchy), Guy Busby (Alabama Public
Radio), Russell Enfinger (Russell Enfinger, LLC), Darrel Saizan (Darrel Saizan and Associates, Inc.), Dan Dealy
(DSD Services Group, LLC), Paul Worley (VP - Rail & Transit Practice Leader - US East), Conway Cristina …
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Fri Mar 5, 2021
Southern Rail Commission
✓ Decided: Southern Rail Commission approves minutes and financial reports
The Commission approved the December 2020 meeting minutes and current financial reports. Members received updates on federal rail legislation and Amtrak's phased plan to implement Gulf Coast service, including platform improvements in several cities.
- Approved December 4, 2020 meeting minutes
- Approved financial reports
📄 From the minutes
Extracted text of the official minutes document (automated extraction — may contain OCR/formatting errors).
Meeting of the Southern Rail Commission
March 5, 2021 9:00am-12:00pm
Zoom
Call to Order: Commissioner Spain
Roll Call
SRC Commissioner Attendees: John Spain, Knox Ross, Renee Lapeyrolerie, Roy Woodruff, Toby Bennington,
Stephen McNair, Steven Brom, David Clark, Kay Kell, Walt Leger
Guests: John Robert Smith (Transportation for America), Phil Jones (LA Multimodal Commerce), Dan Dealy,
Rachel DiResto (Emergent Method), Maggie Woodruff (NO Regional Planning Commission), Todd Stennis
(Amtrak), Marc Magliari (Amtrak), David Handera (Amtrak), Jim Blair (Amtrak), Janice Hamilton (Alabama Public
Service Commission), Carmen Chambers and Christina Conway (Manning Architects), Libby Messick (Calhoun
Anniston MPO), Josh Stubbs (MSDOT), Dean Goodell (LA DOTD), Robert Eaton (Amtrak), Jonathan Bird (Corps
of Engineers), Dennis Barrett (Transportation for America), Mike Lee, Marc Magliari, John Sharp, Andrew
Lodriguss, D. Singleton, Brad Gunter, Emily Pounds (NBC 15), WLOX2, David Zoller, J Driscoll, Virgil Payne,
Bob Johnston, Jane Covington, Dale Leisch, Scott Kirkpatrick, Bryan Jones, Elizabeth Lawlor, Guy Busby, Greg
White, Jonathan Byrd, J. Riggs, Robert Smith
Pledge of Allegiance and Prayer – Knox Ross
REGULAR BUSINESS:
I. Approval of the minutes from the meeting of December 4, 2020
a. Commissioner Bennington moved to approve the minutes, and Commissioner Roy seconded the
motion – motion passes.
II. Legislative Affairs Update - John Robert Smith
a. Railroad R …
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Fri Sep 11, 2020
Southern Rail Commission
✓ Decided: Southern Rail Commission approves financial report and reviews rail projects
The Commission approved the June 5, 2020 meeting minutes and the financial report. Members reviewed progress on station planning grants, the North Rail Connector, and potential rolling stock for the Gulf Coast route. The meeting also included presentations on depot area improvements in Bay St. Louis.
- Approved minutes from June 5, 2020 meeting
- Approved financial report
📄 From the minutes
Extracted text of the official minutes document (automated extraction — may contain OCR/formatting errors).
Meeting of the Southern Rail Commission
September 11, 2020 9:00am-12:00pm
Bay St. Louis, Mississippi
Call to Order: Chairman Wiley Blankenship
Roll Call
Attendees: John Spain, Kay Kell, Knox Ross, Wiley Blankenship, Renee Lapeyrolerie, Roy Woodruff, Toby Bennington (by phone), Stephen McNair, Steven Brom, David Clark – by phone
Guests: John Robert Smith (Transportation for America), Phil Jones (LA Multimodal Commerce), Dean Goodell (LA Multimodal Commerce), Rachel DiResto, Maggie Woodruff (Regional Planning Commission), Todd Stennis (Amtrak), Michael Monsour, Larry Smith (BSL Council Member, Ward 4), Jeffery Reed (BSL Councilman, Ward 3), Frank Martin (BJCTA), Vicki Rivers (BJCTA), Sissy Gonzales, Dana Furnston, BSL Mayor Mike Favre, Matt Anderson, Brad Christenson
By Phone: Andrew Justus (Transportation for America), Dan Dealy, Greg White (Covington County Commission), Janice Hamilton (Alabama Public Service Commission
REGULAR BUSINESS:
Approval of the minutes from the meeting of June 5, 2020
Commissioner Spain motioned to approve the minutes, and Commissioner Woodruff seconded.
Update on Station Planning Grants - John Robert Smith and Andrew Justus
Mississippi-Birmingham Station Grants
All cities participated on a call with FRA and Amtrak and received clarification of what is required for their projects. They also received information on the available resources and technical assistance from Amtrak regarding design specifications and written narratives.
Some cities have …
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Fri Jun 5, 2020
Southern Rail Commission
✓ Decided: Commission empowers Executive Committee to investigate Talgo train purchases
The Southern Rail Commission authorized its Executive Committee to explore purchasing or leasing available Talgo Series 6 train sets. The commission also reviewed updates on legislative rail funding and the Birmingham-Montgomery-Mobile feasibility study.
- Approved March 6, 2020 meeting minutes
- Authorized Executive Committee to investigate bidding on Talgo equipment
- Approved financial report
📄 From the minutes
Extracted text of the official minutes document (automated extraction — may contain OCR/formatting errors).
Meeting of the Southern Rail Commission
June 5, 2020 9:00am-12:00pm
Zoom Conference Meeting
Call to Order: Chairman Wiley Blankenship
Roll Call
Attendees: John Spain, Kay Kell, Knox Ross, Shawn Wilson, Wiley Blankenship, John Clyde Riggs, Renee
Lapeyrolerie, Roy Woodruff, Toby Bennington, Stephen McNair
Guests: John Robert Smith (Transportation for America), Marc Magliari (Amtrak), Phil Jones (LA Multimodal
Commerce), Dean Goodell (LA Multimodal Commerce), Andrew Justus (Transportation for America), Will Butler
(AECOM) , Bob Hamm (CDMSmith), Joe McHugh (Amtrak), Robert Smith (City of Montgomery), Greg White
(Covington County Commission), Brain Smart (AECOM), Caleb Stubbs (AECOM), Bryan Jones (HNTB), Maggie
Woodruff (Regional Planning Commission), Janice Hamilton (Alabama Public Service Commission), Robert
Tannen (CDMSmith)
REGULAR BUSINESS:
I. Approval of the minutes from the meeting of March 6, 2020
A. Commissioner Spain motioned to approve the minutes, and Commissioner Ross seconded.
II. Talgo Equipment Update - John Robert Smith and Joe McHugh
A. Washington DOT and Amtrak have a total of four Talgo Series 6 train sets to sell or dispose of. The
trains have a 40-year lifespan from the present; they were just overhauled in the last year, and there are
plenty of spare parts needed for repairs, etc. The equipment is available as is, where is. Amtrak has
agreed to haul the trains where they need to be and store them in their system. Two are available f …
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Fri Mar 6, 2020
Southern Rail Commission
✓ Decided: Southern Rail Commission approves 2020 budget and station planning grant notice
The Commission approved the 2020 budget and the 2019 audit. Members also voted to issue a Notice of Funding Opportunity for station planning grants on May 1, 2020.
- Approved December 6, 2019 meeting minutes
- Authorized Executive Committee to continue discussions on fund and project administration outside of meetings
- Approved motion to issue Notice of Funding Opportunity for station planning grants on May 1, 2020
- Approved 2020 budget
- Approved 2019 audit
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Meeting of the Southern Rail Commission
March 6, 2020 9:00am-12:00pm
Baton Rouge Area Foundation
100 North Street (IBM Building) 9th floor
Baton Rouge, LA 70802
Call to Order: Chairman Wiley Blankenship
Roll Call
Attendees: Wiley Blankenship, John Spain, Knox Ross, Steve Carter, Toby Bennington, Roy Woodruff, Jerome Wall, Renee A. Lapeyrolerie, Stephen McNair; Shawn Wilson
On Phone: Dan Dealy
Guests: Joni Emmons, John Robert Smith, Maggie Woodruff, Todd Stennis, Marc Magliari, Dean Goddell, Michael Monsour, Phil Jones, Brandon Hebron
Pledge of Allegiance and Prayer
Special Recognitions
Commissioner Spain introduced Renee Lapeyrolerie and welcomed her as a new commissioner for the state of Louisiana. She has been appointed Commissioner of the state’s Office of Multimodal Commerce.
He also mentioned that Commissioner Wall and Commissioner Leger’s appointments will end on March 23rd, and he thanked them for their service on the Southern Rail Commission.
REGULAR BUSINESS
Approval of the minutes from the meeting of December 6, 2019
Commissioner Spain moved to approve the minutes, and Commissioner Bennington seconded the motion.
Legislative Affairs Update - John Robert Smith
Implementation of CRISI grant funds
The SRC has received $33 million of federal funds and $33 million in matched funds from the States of Louisiana and Mississippi and the County of Mobile. The Federal Railroad Administration believes that environmental assessments will have to be conducted for each project. T …
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Fri Dec 6, 2019
Southern Rail Commission
SRC to hear Amtrak, legislative, and financial updates
The Southern Rail Commission will hear reports on legislative affairs, finances, state dues, and Amtrak. They will also receive an economic impact study from Jacksonville State University and updates on Gulf Coast rail projects. The meeting includes approval of minutes and contracts for CPEX and T4A for 2020.
- Approval of CPEX 2020 Contract
- Approval of T4A 2020 Contract
- Presentation of Economic Impact Study by Jacksonville State University
- Update on Gulf Coast Working Group next steps
- Update on station planning grants
railamtrakeconomic-impactcontractsgulf-coastlouisianamississippialabama
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Meeting of the Southern Rail Commission
December 6, 2019 9:00am-12:00pm
Longfellow Civic Center
122 Court St, Bay St Louis, MS 39520
Conference Phone Number: 1 (225) 263-2052
Access Code: 559021614#
Chair Code: 89935
Call to Order: Chairman Wiley Blankenship
Roll Call
Pledge of Allegiance and Prayer
Recognition of Special Guests
REGULAR BUSINESS:
Approval of the minutes from the meeting of September 6, 2019
Legislative Affairs Update - John Robert Smith (By Phone)
Financial and Administrative Report-Knox Ross/Debbie Vignes (By Phone)
Update on States Dues-Knox Ross
Approval of CPEX 2020 Contract-Knox Ross
Approval of T4A 2020 Contract-Knox Ross
Communications and Media Update-Joni Emmons and Dan Dealy
Presentation of Economic Impact Study-Jacksonville State University
OLD BUSINESS:
Report on Executive Committee activities - Spain, Ross, Blankenship
Update on Gulf Coast Working Group next steps - Spain, Ross and John Robert Smith
Update on station planning grants -John Robert Smith
State Reports:
Louisiana:
Update on Statewide Elections and impact on BR-NO Rail project
Mississippi:
Update on the Gulf Coast funding
Alabama:
City of Mobile on Gulf Coast project
Report on Phase II of the Montgomery – Mobile Passenger Rail Feasibility Study
NEW BUSINESS:
Reports from Amtrak: Todd Stennis and Marc Magliari
Report from the Railroad Passengers Association
SCHEDULE OF UPCOMING MEETINGS:
March 6, 2020 Louisiana
June 5, 2020 Alabama
September 11, 2020 Mississippi
Decemb …
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Fri Sep 6, 2019
Southern Rail Commission
Southern Rail Commission discusses passenger rail projects and state updates
The Commission will review various rail project updates across Louisiana, Mississippi, and Alabama. The agenda includes discussions on station planning grants, CRISI grants, and a new contract with T4A.
- Update on New Orleans to Baton Rouge passenger rail project
- Montgomery – Mobile Passenger Rail Feasibility Study Phase II
- Discussion of new contract with T4A
- Update on station planning grants
- Proposed bus bridge from Memphis to Birmingham
railtransportationinfrastructurelouisianamississippialabama
✓ Decided: Southern Rail Commission elects new officers and reports $33M grant award
The Commission unanimously approved a rotation of its leadership officers and the minutes from the June 7, 2019 meeting. Members discussed the administration of a $33 million CRISI grant and a $4.36 million R&E grant to support rail operations. The Commission also noted a $250,000 reimbursement agreement from the FRA for past expenses.
- Approved June 7, 2019 meeting minutes (unanimous)
- Elected Wiley Blankenship as Chairman (unanimous)
- Elected John Spain as Vice-Chairman (unanimous)
- Elected Knox Ross as Secretary/Treasurer (unanimous)
- Moved $100,000 from reserve account to operating fund
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Meeting of the Southern Rail Commission
September 6, 2019 9:00am-12:00pm
RSA Plaza Building
5th Floor 770 Washington Street
Montgomery, AL 36104
Conference Phone Number: 1 (225) 263-2052
Access Code: 998209016#
Chair Code: 89935
Call to Order: Chairman John Spain
Roll Call
Pledge of Allegiance and Prayer
Recognition of Special Guests
REGULAR BUSINESS:
Approval of the minutes from the meeting of June 7, 2019
Update on JSU Study-Toby Bennington
Legislative Affairs Update - John Robert Smith (By Phone)
Update on CRISI Grants
Discussion of new contract with T4A
Financial and Administrative Report- Wiley Blankenship/Debbie Vignes (By Phone)
Update on States Dues-John Spain
Discussion of expense reimbursement from the Federal Railroad Administration
Communications and Media Update-Joni Emmons and Dan Dealy
Election of Officers
OLD BUSINESS:
Report on Executive Committee activities - Spain, Ross, Blankenship
Update on Gulf Coast Working Group next steps - Spain, Ross and John Robert Smith
Update on station planning grants -John Robert Smith
State Reports:
Louisiana:
Update on New Orleans to Baton Rouge passenger rail project
Conversation between Amtrak and KCS
Mississippi: Update on the Gulf Coast funding
Proposed bus bridge from Memphis to Birmingham
Alabama:
City of Mobile on Gulf Coast project
Montgomery – Mobile Passenger Rail Feasibility Study Phase II
NEW BUSINESS:
Reports from Amtrak: Todd Stennis
SCHEDULE OF UPCOMING MEETINGS:
December 6, 2109 Mississipp …
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📄 From the minutes
Extracted text of the official minutes document (automated extraction — may contain OCR/formatting errors).
Meeting of the Southern Rail Commission
September 6, 2019 9:00am-12:00pm
RSA Plaza Building, 5th Floor
770 Washington Street
Montgomery, AL 36104
Conference Phone Number: 1 (225) 263-2052
Access Code: 998209016#
Chair Code: 89935
Call to Order: Chairman John Spain
Roll Call
Attendees: John Spain, Wiley Blankenship, Shawn Wilson, David Clark, Toby
Bennington, John Clyde Riggs, Stephen McNair, Roy Woodruff, Anita Archie, Phil
Jones, Knox Ross, Kay Kell
Guests: John Robert Smith, Joni Emmons, Marc Magliari, Patrick Cagle, Sean Ross,
Betsy Nelson, Paul Nelson, Maggie Woodruff, Todd Stennis, Joshua Hollins (LA
DOTD), Dean Goodell (LA DOTD), Baker Allen (Governor Ivey’s Economic Policy
Advisor), Alan Baker (State Representative), Shane Stringer (State Representative),
Jennifer Green (Jacksonville State University), Toby Roth (Capitol Resources), Elizabeth
Kennedy (Norfolk Southern), Will Fuller (Capitol Resources), Janice Hamilton (Alabama
Public Service Commission), Greg White, Dan Dealy
Pledge of Allegiance and Prayer
Recognition of Special Guests
REGULAR BUSINESS:
I. Commissioner Bennington motioned to approve the minutes from the meeting of June 7,
2019 with one amendment: editing “Jackson State University” to “Jacksonville State
University.” Commissioner Wilson seconded, and the Commission unanimously
approved the minutes from the meeting of June 7, 2019.
II. Update on JSU Study - Toby Bennington
a. This study analyses the economic impact of …
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Fri Jun 7, 2019
Southern Rail Commission
Southern Rail Commission meets to discuss regional rail and bus projects
The Commission will review updates on the New Orleans to Baton Rouge passenger rail project and the Gulf Coast Working Group. Members will also receive reports on station planning grants and various state-level rail developments.
- Update on New Orleans to Baton Rouge passenger rail project
- Update on station planning grants
- Report on Montgomery–Mobile Passenger Rail Feasibility Study Phase II
- Proposed bus bridge from Memphis to Birmingham
- Update on Gulf Coast funding
railtransportationinfrastructurepublic-transitregional-planning
✓ Decided: Southern Rail Commission awarded $33 million in CRISI funding
The Commission approved the March 1, 2019 meeting minutes and the April 30, 2019 financial report. Members discussed legislative updates regarding Amtrak and passenger rail, as well as station planning grants across Louisiana, Mississippi, and Alabama.
- Approved March 1, 2019 meeting minutes (Unanimous)
- Adopted April 30, 2019 financial report
- Awarded $33 million in CRISI funding
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Meeting of the Southern Rail Commission
June 7, 2019 9:00am-12:00pm
Baton Rouge Area Foundation
100 North Street, Suite 900
Baton Rouge, LA 70802
Conference Phone Number: 866.263.2052
Access Code: 89999670#
Chair Code: 89935
Call to Order: Chairman John Spain
Roll Call
Pledge of Allegiance and Prayer
Recognition of Special Guests and new Commissioners
REGULAR BUSINESS:
Approval of the minutes from the meeting of March 1, 2019
Update on JSU Study-Toby Bennington
Legislative Affairs Update - John Robert Smith (By Phone)
Financial and Administrative Report- Wiley Blankenship/Debbie Vignes (By Phone)
Update on States Dues-John Spain
Communications and Media Update-Haley Blakeman and Dan Dealy
OLD BUSINESS:
Report on Executive Committee activities - Spain, Ross, Blankenship
Update on Gulf Coast Working Group next steps - Spain, Ross and John Robert Smith
Update on station planning grants -John Robert Smith
State Reports:
Louisiana:
Update on New Orleans to Baton Rouge passenger rail project
Results from Public Opinion Poll
Conversation between Amtrak and KCS
Mississippi:
Update on the Gulf Coast funding
Proposed bus bridge from Memphis to Birmingham
Alabama:
City of Mobile on Gulf Coast project
Montgomery – Mobile Passenger Rail Feasibility Study Phase II
NEW BUSINESS:
Reports from Amtrak: Todd Stennis
SCHEDULE OF UPCOMING MEETINGS:
September 6, 2019 Alabama
December 6, 2109 Mississippi
ADJOURNMENT
📄 From the minutes
Extracted text of the official minutes document (automated extraction — may contain OCR/formatting errors).
Meeting of the Southern Rail Commission
June 7, 2019 9:00am-12:00pm
Baton Rouge Area Foundation
100 North Street, Suite 900
Baton Rouge, LA 70802
Call to Order: Chairman John Spain
Roll Call
Attendees: John Spain, Knox Ross, John Clyde Riggs, Toby Bennington, Anita Archie, Stephen McNair,
Jerome Wall, Roy Woodruff
On Phone: Wiley Blankenship, David Clark, Patrick Sullivan
Guests: John Robert Smith, Scott Goldstein, Rayla Bellis, Emily Mangan, Rachel DiResto, Dean Goodell,
Maggie Woodruff, Phil Jones, Todd Stennis, Marc Magliari, Carlos McCloud, Joni Emmons, Jennifer
Green
Pledge of Allegiance and Prayer
Recognition of Special Guests
REGULAR BUSINESS:
I. Commissioner Woodruff made a motion to approve the minutes from the last meeting and
Commissioner Bennington seconded. The Commission unanimously approved the minutes from
the meeting of March 1, 2019.
II. Update on Jacksonville State University Study - Toby Bennington
a. With support of Alabama delegation, Jacksonville State University’s Center for Economic
Development and Business Research will conduct an economic impact study of Gulf Coast
passenger rail operation to use as an educational tool to gain support from legislators
throughout Alabama. The contract for the study has been signed, and the work will kick off
in July. 2 Jennifer Green from JSU joined on the phone to voice her support for the project.
i. JSU representative will give an update at the next SRC meeting in September.
III. Legi …
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Fri Mar 1, 2019
Southern Rail Commission
✓ Decided: Southern Rail Commission approves audit and financial report
The Commission unanimously approved the minutes from December 7, 2018, and adopted the January 31, 2019 financial report and audit. Members discussed federal funding opportunities and the need for Alabama's commitment to station grants. The Commission also approved a revised scope for a Jackson State University economic study.
- Approved minutes from December 7, 2018 (Unanimous)
- Approved January 2019 audit
- Adopted financial report as of Jan 31, 2019
- Approved revised scope for Jackson State University economic study (~$18,000)
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Meeting of the Southern Rail Commission
March 1, 2019 9:00am-12:00pm
Bay St Louis Old Town Community Center
122 Court Street
Bay St Louis, MS 39520
Call to Order: Chairman John Spain
Roll Call
Attendees: John Spain, Knox Ross, John Clyde Riggs, David Clark, Toby Bennington, Stephen
McNair, Kay Kell, Roy Woodruff, Jerry Wall
On Phone: Anita Archie, Alex Beckmann
Guests: John Robert Smith, Haley Blakeman, Dan Dealy, Phil Jones, Debbie Vignes, Maggie
Woodruff, Todd Stennis, Betsy Nelson, Larry Watts, Dean Goodell, Mayor Mike Pharr, Janice
Hamilton, Mrs. Green, Mr. Sinclair, Denise Jacobs, Mrs. McDonald, Henry Winters
Pledge of Allegiance and Prayer
Recognition of Special Guests and new Commissioners
REGULAR BUSINESS:
I. Commissioner Woodruff made a motion to approve the minutes from the last meeting and
Commissioner McNair seconded. The Commission unanimously approved the minutes from the
meeting of December 7, 2018.
II. Legislative Affairs Update - John Robert Smith
a. The Executive Committee visited Capitol Hill in D.C. January 7-10. The visits were very
productive, and the committee touched base with other passenger rail supporters outside
of the south. Other states are starting to create commissions like the SRC, and SRC has been
encouraging this, as the hope is to have future funding opportunities for which only
commissions could apply. The budget included many transportation funds.
i. Louisiana - Visited the entire LA congressional delegation …
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Fri Dec 7, 2018
Southern Rail Commission
Southern Rail Commission discusses regional rail projects and funding
The Commission will review legislative, financial, and administrative updates. The meeting includes progress reports on passenger rail projects in Louisiana, Mississippi, and Alabama.
- Update on New Orleans to Baton Rouge passenger rail project
- Update on Gulf Coast funding
- Montgomery–Mobile Passenger Rail Feasibility Study Phase II
- Update on station planning grants
- Reports from Amtrak and Rail Passengers Association (NARP)
railwaytransportationinfrastructurelouisianaalabamamississippi
✓ Decided: Southern Rail Commission approves meeting minutes and financial report
The Commission unanimously approved the minutes from the September 7, 2018 meeting and the financial report. Members discussed federal budget updates, CRISI grant applications, and potential passenger rail service between New Orleans and Mobile.
- Approved minutes from September 7, 2018 meeting (Unanimous)
- Approved financial report (Unanimous)
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Meeting of the Southern Rail Commission
December 7, 2018 9:00am-12:00pm
Regions Bank located downtown in the RSA Battlehouse Tower
11 North Water
30th floor in Board room
Mobile, Alabama
Conference Phone Number: 866.740.1260
Access Code: 3876126
Chair Code: 6279
Call to Order: Chairman John Spain
Roll Call
Pledge of Allegiance and Prayer
Recognition of Special Guests and new Commissioners
REGULAR BUSINESS:
Approval of the minutes from the meeting of September 7, 2018
Legislative Affairs Update - John Robert Smith
Financial and Administrative Report- Wiley Blankenship/Debbie Vignes
Update on States Dues-John Spain
Communications and Media Update-Haley Blakeman and Dan Dealy
OLD BUSINESS:
Report on Executive Committee activities - Spain, Ross, Blankenship
Update on Gulf Coast Working Group next steps - Spain, Ross and John Robert Smith
Update on station planning grants-John Robert Smith
State Reports:
Louisiana:
Update on New Orleans to Baton Rouge passenger rail project
Mississippi:
Update on the Gulf Coast funding.
Alabama:
Update on new commissioners
City of Mobile on Gulf Coast project
Montgomery – Mobile Passenger Rail Feasibility Study Phase II
NEW BUSINESS:
Reports from Amtrak and Rail Passengers Association (NARP)
SUMMARY AND SCHEDULE OF UPCOMING MEETINGS:
March 1, 2019 Mississippi
June 7, 2019 Louisiana
September 6, 2019 Alabama
December 6, 2109 Mississippi
ADJOURNMENT
📄 From the minutes
Extracted text of the official minutes document (automated extraction — may contain OCR/formatting errors).
Meeting of the Southern Rail Commission December 7, 2018 9:00am-12:00pm Regions Bank - 11 North Water, Mobile, Alabama MINUTES Call to Order: Chairman John Spain Roll Call Recognition of Special Guests and new Commissioners Attending: John Spain, Roy Woodruff, Wiley Blankenship, Jerry Wall, Tommy Clark, Anita Archie, Kay Kell, Stephen McNair, David Clark, Phil Jones (proxy) On Phone: Toby Bennington, Knox Ross, Anita Clemons Guests: Dan Dealy, Haley Blakeman, Maggie Woodruff, Scott Goldstein, Todd Stennis, John Robert Smith, Alex Beckmann, Greg White, Larry Watts, Pamela Baptiste, Andrew Johnson Ray Lange, Brad Christensen, Senator Brice Wiggins Pledge of Allegiance and Prayer REGULAR BUSINESS:
I. Commissioner Wall made a motion to approve the minutes from the last meeting and Commissioner Woodruff seconded. The Commission unanimously approved the minutes from the meeting of September 7, 2018. II. Commissioners Spain and Ross thanked Senator Wiggins for his assistance and legwork to get coastal delegation up to speed on passenger rail. III. Legislative Affairs Update - John Robert Smith and Alex Beckmann a. The SRC Executive Committee held a training for new AL commissioners yesterday to get them up to speed. b. John Robert reviewed lots of changes on Capitol Hill that could affect SRC. i. During midterm elections, Democrats took control of house. Lots of changes in the Senate as well. Most subcommittees will have new leadership. They are still watching how these shifts will …
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Fri Sep 7, 2018
Southern Rail Commission
✓ Decided: Southern Rail Commission approves annual budget and updates executive committee
The Commission unanimously approved the financial report and a $195,000 annual budget. Wiley Blankenship was elected to the executive committee, replacing Greg White. The body also discussed federal CRISI grant applications and state-level rail projects in Alabama, Louisiana, and Mississippi.
- Approved minutes from June 8, 2018 meeting (Unanimous)
- Approved financial report (Unanimous)
- Approved $195,000 annual budget (Unanimous)
- Elected Wiley Blankenship to the executive committee (Unanimous)
- Tabled approval of Jacksonville State economic study proposal for Port of Mobile
📄 From the minutes
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1 | Page
Meeting of the Southern Rail Commission
September 7, 2018 9:00am-12:00pm
Bienville House, New Orleans, LA
MINUTES
Call to Order: Chairman John Spain
Roll Call and Recognition of Special Guests
Attending: John Spain, Greg White, Knox Ross, Roy Woodruff, Wiley Blankenship, Jerry Wall, Tommy
Clark, Claire Austin, Kay Kell
Guests: Dan Dealy, Haley Blakeman , Janice Hamilton, Betsy Nelson, Maggie Woodruff, Phil Jones, Scott
Goldstein, Dick Hall, Matt Holleman, Andrew Lodriguss, Darrel Saizan
Pledge of Allegiance and Prayer
REGULAR BUSINESS:
I. Tommy made a motion to approve the minutes from the last meeting and Roy seconded. The
Commission unanimously approved the minutes from the meeting of June 8, 2018.
II. Legislative Affairs Update - Scott Goldstein
a. Full senate has passed a transportation bill including $1.92M for Amtrak, $255M for CRISI
and $10 M for R&E. House bill has not passed but has $300 M in CRISI and none f or R&E.
Next step is negotiations between the house and senate. Senate passed a transportation
package, but will be hard to get through the H ouse. Major complication with t ransportation
bill is available funding because the president submitted a budget request for the border
wall and a veteran’s bill passed earlier limiting all of the other money available for
allocations. While the n umbers are robust now, we will likely not see these levels for CRISI
and R&E in the final bill because of the overall reduced allocations.
i. Current CRISI G …
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Fri Jun 8, 2018
Southern Rail Commission
✓ Decided: Southern Rail Commission approves March minutes and financial reports
The Commission unanimously approved the March 2, 2018 meeting minutes and the financial report as of April 30. Members discussed the urgent need for state funding commitments from Mississippi and Alabama to secure federal CRISI and R&E grants for passenger rail restoration.
- Approved minutes from March 2, 2018 meeting (unanimous)
- Approved financial report as of April 30 (unanimous)
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Extracted text of the official minutes document (automated extraction — may contain OCR/formatting errors).
1 | Page
Meeting of the Southern Rail Commission June 8, 2018 9:00am-12:00pm Hancock Bank - 2510 14th Street Gulfport, MS 39501 MINUTES Call to Order: Chairman John Spain Pledge of Allegiance and Prayer Roll Call and Recognition of Special Guests Attending: John Spain, Greg White, Knox Ross, Toby Bennington, Kay Kell, Ashley Edwards, Blake Wilson, Roy Woodruff, Wiley Blakenship, Jerry Wall Guests: John Robert Smith, Alex Beckmann, Todd Stennis, Dan Dealy, Haley Blakeman, and Debbie Vignes, Janice Hamilton, Paul Gavin, Betsy Nelson, Troy Jonifer, Angel Middleton, Elaine Wilkerson, Bo Jacks, Maggie Woodruff, Dean Guidell REGULAR BUSINESS: I. The Commission unanimously approved the minutes from the meeting of March 2, 2018. II. Legislative Affairs Update - John Robert Smith a. Restoring Passenger Rail - 13 years ago we lost passenger rail due to Katrina, and it was not reliable before that. 3.5 years ago, we reassessed and determined what rail service should look like. We led an inspection trip on the train last year. Senator Wicker worked to include passenger rail included in FAST Act, and created the Gulf Coast Working Group including CSX, Amtrak, and representatives from along the coast from Louisiana to Florida. The working group analyzed service, impediments, schedules, improvements needed, etc., and made a report to congress. Congress accepted recommendations and projects. CSX wanted $2.3 billion to improve track. Senator Wicker created two new funding streams for constru …
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Fri Mar 2, 2018
Southern Rail Commission
✓ Decided: Southern Rail Commission authorized to apply for CRISI and REG grants
The Commission approved the 2017 audit and financial statements. It also passed a resolution to apply for federal CRISI and REG grants for rail projects, contingent on receiving state commitments or local matching funds.
- Approved minutes from December 8, 2017 meeting
- Approved 2017 Audit and Financials
- Adopted resolution to apply for CRISI and REG grants contingent on state/local matching funds
📄 From the minutes
Extracted text of the official minutes document (automated extraction — may contain OCR/formatting errors).
Meeting of the Southern Rail Commission
March 2, 2018
Regional Planning Commission of Greater Birmingham
2 North 20th Street room 1200 (12th floor) Birmingham, AL 35203
MINUTES
ATTENDING: Greg White, John Spain, Larry Watts, Gerry Geyman, Kay Kell, Knox Ross, Jerome Wall, Wiley Blakenship, Claire Austin, Ashley Edwards, Roy Woodruff, Blake Wilson
By Phone: Toby Bennington
Others: John Robert Smith, Maggie Woodruff, Betsy Nelson, (NARP), Phil Jones, Rachel DiResto, Dan Dealy, Matt Hollman – Jackson MS, Janice Hamilton, Ruby Davis (RTA), Kim Marmalich, Earl Hilliard (with Mayor Woodfin’s staff)
Call to Order: Chairman John Spain called the meeting to order at 9:06am
Recognition of Special Guests –
Earl Hilliard expressed greetings on behalf of Mayor Woodfin who was unable to attend. Mayor Woodfin cares about safety, mobility, economic development - and transportation that takes pressure off of existing infrastructure. He understands the importance of a multi – modal approach that helps citizens move in convenient, affordable ways. Mayor Woodfin believes in collaboration, and his door is open to work with the SRC.
REGULAR BUSINESS:
Jerry Geyman moved to approve the minutes from the meeting of December 8, 2017, seconded by Wiley. Motion passes with no objections.
Legislative Affairs Update –
John Robert Smith reported that the Presidents’ budget proposes eliminating funding for long distance, passenger rail and provides no additional funding for Gulf Coast project.
Congre …
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